How Long Does Chicken Last in the Fridge?

Uncooked chicken can survive up to 2 days in the fridge.

At grocery stores and supermarkets, fresh chicken is stored at a temperature of 40 °F or lower. And, they recommend using it within 2 days.

While many people store chicken in the freezer, it can survive in the fridge too. However, it depends entirely on your use.

If you wish to cook the chicken within 2 days, you can safely store it in the fridge. For more days or even weeks, a freezer is a superior option.

Does Chicken Go Bad in the Fridge?

Yes, chicken can spoil in the fridge if you do not use it within 1-2 days. On the other hand, the cooked chicken will go bad after 3-4 days.

Raw chicken should always be bought by checking the date mentioned on the pack.

It can help you store at home. You can easily identify if your chicken has spoiled in the fridge.

It changes its color to dull gray or yellow. Moreover, spoiled chicken has a slimy texture with an unpleasant smell.

How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?

Usually, cooked chicken lasts for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. However, eating it within 2 days is best to avoid any risks.

Cooked recipes are more prone to bacteria. According to USDA, refrigeration allows you to eat the cooked chicken for up to 4 days.

But, you have to be careful about any signs of spoilage. Make sure to inspect it properly before eating it.

If you want to preserve cooked chicken for longer, go for a freezer. It is a much better option and offers a longer lifespan for your meal.

How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last Out of the Fridge?

Cooked chicken is one of the favorite meals of bacteria. It can only survive 1 or 2 hours at max without a fridge.

It is a big NO to leave your cooked chicken at room temperature. Harmful bacteria can grow inside your meal and affect it badly.

You should only keep it for 1 or 2 hours outside the fridge. Temperatures above 90°F are bad for most cooked foods, including chicken.

Is Chicken Good After 10 Days in the Fridge?

Unfortunately, your chicken may have been spoiled if it had been in the fridge for 10 days. It is better to throw it out.

Chicken can only last a couple of days in the fridge. Cooking it, then storing it in the refrigerator can prolong the lifespan to 3-4 days. But that’s it.

If you take it out after 5 days, you will notice an unpleasant smell and color, let alone 10 days.

You can use a freezer if you want to preserve chicken for 10 days or longer. It can hold the meat for up to a month.

How Long Does Cooked Chicken Breast Last in the Fridge?

Cooked chicken breast can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. In contrast, raw chicken breast can survive 1-2 days.

Experts recommend storing chicken breasts in the freezer. It is a good practice for both raw and cooked ones. Preheat them whenever you want to eat them, and you are all set.

Using a freezer, you can extend your chicken breasts’ lifespan up to 1 month. As for the cooked chicken, it can survive up to 4 months.

How Long is Cooked Shredded Chicken Good for in the Fridge?

Cooked shredded chicken can survive up to 3 to 4 days. Shredded chicken is best stored in the freezer.

You might have seen supermarkets, like Walmart, use freezers to store cooked and raw shredded chicken. That’s because this method prolongs the life of your chicken.

How to Store Chicken in Fridge?

You can store the chicken in its original wrapping or use plastic wrap to keep it in the fridge.

Here is how to store raw chicken in a fridge:

Take a plastic wrap or the original packaging of the chicken.
Pack chicken inside the wrap tightly.
Now, keep it on one of the central shelves of your refrigerator.

Storing cooked chicken in the fridge is the same. For this, you can also use an airtight container (plastic or glass). Ensure that your chicken is wrapped tightly.

This way, you can prevent moisture. It is also recommended to store your cooked chicken on one of the main shelves of a refrigerator, preferably the top one.

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Wrapping Up

Let’s go back to our original question. How long does chicken last in the fridge? In short, it depends on your storage method.

If you provide the right conditions and container, you can keep it up to four or five days.

On the other hand, cooked chicken can survive slightly longer. In the end, the freezer is the superior option.

It works flawlessly for both cooked and raw chicken. Plus, you will have a much bigger expiry deadline!

Crystal Hafley

Crystal Hafley is a dedicated writer and content creator for WorstBrands, where she specializes in writing insightful reviews about kitchen appliances and fashion products.

With her expertise, Crystal provides readers with accurate and reliable information to help them make informed decisions about the brands and products they use every day. When she's not researching or writing, Crystal enjoys cooking and exploring the latest fashion trends.